Using GIMP to Generate a CMYK TIFF Book Cover for Lightning Source POD

Using GIMP to Generate a CMYK TIFF Book Cover for Lightning Source POD

The following GNU/freeware procedure results in a TIFF file with CMYK color separation that has successfully worked for Lightning Source, Inc. POD customers, including Into Your Hands LLC. Lightning Source generally prefers the PDF/X-1a:2001 format for file uploads, but also accepts the High Quality Print setting for color cover uploads when using Adobe Distiller as well as TIFF and PS files from other software applications (Lightning Source File Creation Guide 9.0, p. 12). The following procedure uses the GNU software GIMP to generate a CMYK color separated TIFF file that has been acceptable to Lightning Source for color book covers in the recent past.

These instructions are offered for consideration by those who prefer to use GNU and freeware software and do not have Adobe Distiller, but please proceed at your own risk recognizing that Into Your Hands LLC cannot guarantee that this procedure will always be acceptable to Lightning Source.

Join Our Research Team!

Lessons Learned at Home

Join Ryan and Marie MacPherson in their latest adventure—the production of a book by homeschoolers, for homeschoolers! Click here to learn how you can participate in the Into Your Hands LLC homeschool family survey.